A Dallas man has been charged with attempted interference of commerce by robbery after allegedly shooting a security guard who was servicing an ATM in Balch Springs, Texas. The announcement was made by United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
According to federal court documents, Laroyce Antoine Lambert is accused of attempting to rob an armored car while a security guard was working at a Chase Bank ATM on Lake June Road in Balch Springs. During the incident, Lambert reportedly approached the guard with a firearm and demanded access to cash inside the ATM. When the guard said he could not access the money, Lambert fired three shots at him before fleeing on foot through a fence. The security guard sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to a hospital. Body camera footage from the guard captured images of Lambert holding a firearm pointed at him.
Law enforcement officials say that agents and officers from the Balch Springs Police Department and Dallas FBI Violent Crime Taskforce obtained video showing Lambert leaving the scene and getting into a Dodge Charger. Working together, agencies including the FBI, Fort Worth Police Department, and Dallas Police Department tracked both Lambert and his vehicle to an apartment in Fort Worth where he was arrested.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould stated: “The swift apprehension of this individual is a testament to the tireless work and collaboration of our federal, state, and local partners. The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force and our local partners identified the perpetrator within hours of the horrific shooting,” adding, “This should serve as a warning to violent offenders in North Texas: we will find you and swiftly bring you to justice.”
FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock commented: “The FBI Dallas Violent Crimes Task Force worked alongside the Balch Springs Police Department, Dallas Police Department, Fort Worth Police Department, Mesquite Police Department and other law enforcement partners to investigate this robbery and brutal attack on an armored vehicle driver. This collaboration among multiple agencies and members of the public resulted in a swift arrest.” He added: “We will continue our work to hold this perpetrator accountable and remain committed to protect the residents of North Texas.”
Brent Hurley, Chief of Balch Springs Police Department said: “Our community was shaken by this senseless act of violence. I am relieved that a suspect has been apprehended and there is no ongoing threat to the public.” He continued: “I want to thank our agency partners — including the FBI, Texas Rangers, Mesquite Police Department, Dallas Police Department, Mesquite Fire Department, and our own Balch Springs officers — for their professionalism and swift action that led to this arrest. Our thoughts remain with the victim, their family, and all affected by this incident.”
Lambert remains in federal custody following his initial appearance before a United States Magistrate Judge on February 6. If convicted on these charges he could face up to twenty years in federal prison.
Multiple agencies participated in investigating this case including ATF Dallas; police departments from Balch Springs, Fort Worth, Dallas; Mesquite; Texas Rangers; with assistance from the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Withers and Jeremy Fugate are prosecuting.
Officials remind that criminal complaints are only allegations; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
